Top Tips for Childproofing Your Garden

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If you have children then the likelihood is that when looking for a home, you looked for something with a garden to enable to kids a safe, green space to play right? Gardens are a great way for the kids (and adults) to be able to get outside in a safe environment but still be able to enjoy the sun, grass and fresh air. The possibilities for the uses of a garden are almost endless with fun ideas like playhouses and swing/slide sets to trampolines, paddling pool and perhaps even growing your own veg

Gardens for the most part can feel like a safe haven for kids, but it’s important to highlight the risks that could be at play when they’re in the back garden. Here are some top tips to help fully childproof your garden making it a safe and enjoyable space for all.

Asses your garden layout as it stands

Before you consider starting any big, planned changes, take a look at what your garden looks like already. Are there any tiles out of place on the ground? Are there any cracks that your child could easily trip over? Do you have anything lying around that could be a hazard, like bags, old plant pots, or tools? See what you need first before diving in and changing things around. By doing this you will also be able to work out how much storage you might need to keep dangerous items away and also how much needs replacing and what can be repaired. 

Replace anything that’s already damaged

The most common injuries come from already damaged things lying around or being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Admittedly, children tend to be a lot clumsier, so you have to prepare your garden space for any potential accidents. This could include things like cracked paving, uneven, untreated or sharp wooden decking as they could be a big trip risk too. Don't forget to check your fences too! Are they free of gaps and holes (little ones will literally try to climb through anywhere!) or any sharp nails that may be sticking out. 

Start by removing or replacing garden items that are already posing a problem. These remove a lot of risks for your child straight away which is a great start in making your garden a lot safer for them and a lot less cluttered for you. 

Keep big items and tools packed away in a secure location

If your child has access to a lot of the tools, you’ll be using for more demanding gardening tasks then it can cause a series of risks. Pack all of these things away in a place where your child can’t access them - like pitchforks, shovels, topsoil, or anything else that could be a problem. But talking is also key here, talk to your children about WHY you are putting these things in a safe place, don't scaremonger them into being fearful of the items but educate as to why and what might happen. This way they at least have an understanding of why it's been locked away and stop and frustrations

Out of sight often means out of mind but be sure to lock them away properly and keep the key somewhere safe that you’re aware of. 

Apply protections to certain areas

Perhaps you have an area of the garden that could be dangerous, but it is out of your control to change. A drain within your garden perhaps or a ditch etc that lead to a fall, but they are not items you can easily change yourself. Just remember that a small gap could lead to a big fall, or your child could think about jumping from a short height in your garden and cause an injury. Even the slightest risk could be an issue for your child and it’s important to note them down. You may want to apply protection around these areas, like a soft mat or replacing the ground with Astroturf.

Stairs might also be a risk for your child. You could consider removing these so that your child doesn’t have that potential to fall or hurt themselves easily. After all, concrete can be painful for a lot of us, and removing that risk can help everyone around the home.

What are your top tips for child-proofing a garden setting?

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